Chosen and Called

2/22/2024

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)

In these verses, Peter reminds us of our identity as believers in Christ. We are not merely a random assortment of individuals, but we are chosen by God, set apart for a purpose. Let's delve deeper into what it means to be chosen and called by Him.

As a “Chosen Race,” we need to remember that God has handpicked us to be part of His family. We are not chosen because of our own merits or accomplishments but because of His grace and love towards us. This should fill us with a sense of gratitude and humility, knowing that we belong to Him.

We are also a “Royal Priesthood,” as members of God's chosen people, we have been granted the privilege of representing Him to the world. We are called to live lives that reflect His character and holiness. Just as priests in the Old Testament served as intermediaries between God and His people, we are called to intercede for others and point them towards Christ.

Being a “Holy Nation” in a world that often values conformity to its standards, we are called to be different. We are called to live lives of holiness, set apart for God's purposes. Our allegiance is not to the culture around us but to the Kingdom of God, where righteousness, love, and justice reign.

God call us “People for His Own Possession.” We are not our own; we belong to God. He has purchased us with the precious blood of Christ, and our lives are now His to direct and guide. This should give us a sense of security and purpose, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by our Heavenly Father.

Remember we are free. We have been “Called Out of Darkness.” Before we knew Christ, we were living in spiritual darkness, separated from God. But through His grace, He has called us into His marvelous light. We have been rescued from the power of sin and death and brought into a relationship with the living God.

Peter continues and says that we are “Proclaimers of His Excellencies.” Our primary calling as God's chosen people is to proclaim His excellencies to the world. Through our words and actions, we have the privilege of sharing the good news of salvation with those around us. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, shining His light in a dark and broken world.

Finally, we are called “Receivers of Mercy.” We must never forget the mercy that has been extended to us. We were once lost and without hope, but God, in His great love, has shown us mercy and brought us into His family. As recipients of His mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to others, demonstrating the love of Christ in all that we do.

As you reflect on these verses, may you be encouraged and empowered to live out your identity as a chosen and called child of God. May you walk in obedience to His Word, boldly proclaiming His excellencies to the world around you. And may you never forget the depth of His mercy and love towards you.

Let us live each day with gratitude for the mercy we have received, and a sense of purpose as we proclaim the excellencies of our God. Let us remember our identity as chosen, royal, holy, and beloved children of God, and let that truth transform how we live and interact with the world around us. May we never lose sight of the incredible privilege and responsibility that comes with being God's own possession.

Pastor Jeff

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